By Lunga Ntuli

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07 Apr 2013 19:55:00

Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi was apologetic for his behaviour towards Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter after tempers rose up during their goalless draw match in Durban on Saturday

Mngqithi, who is usually a reserved person, was seen exchanging verbal jabs with Baxter on the touchline after Chiefs midfielder Renielwe Letsholonyane was shown a straight red card following a tackle on Tshepo Liphoko.

Mngqithi stormed off his bench and protested vehemently at the fourth official, resulting in referee Lwandile Mfiki issuing a red card.

Television shots showed Mngqithi utter vulgar words directed at Baxter and there was more drama after the match when the Englishman refused to shake his counterpart’s hand.

Mngqithi admitted afterwards that his behavior on the touchline was uncalled for.

“I wanted to shake hands but he didn't want to. He can go to hell,” said Mngithi.

“I must apologize and say it was not typical of me. I could have handled myself better after protesting about some of the referee’s decisions which I felt were unfair. It was the heat of the moment. I also think Reneilwe’s red card was uncalled for,” said Baxter.

A clearly unimpressed Baxter was forced to accept Mngqithi’s apology, but they did not shake hands. Baxter also condemned his technical bench’s behavior, with assistant Doctor Khumalo almost getting booked for protesting Itumeleng Khune’s cautioning.

“It’s a game of emotions and sometimes things get out of hand. But I was not pleased with how the bench reacted and its important that we keep our heads and in control,” he said.